Hosted by Rowan College at Gloucester County's Japanese Anime Guild, the convention acts as a celebration of Asian culture — Japan's in particular. With an overwhelming amount of things to see and buy, and a long list of people to see and meet, the convention can be an intimidating place. To encourage all who are interested to give KotoriCon a chance next year, here at the top five reasons why KotoriCon is the con to try.

1. KotoriCon is small

KotoriCon is often referred to by volunteers and guests as the "little anime convention with a big heart," and it lives up to that name. The convention was started six years ago and maxed out at 350 guests. While it has grown since then, with more than 400 performers and VIP's, in addition to the 1,500 attendees, the event is still a small place for those interested in anime and the Japanese culture.

"We are small and friendly," said Katie Livingston, the volunteer coordinator for KotoriCon. "If people want to speak to voice actors or VIP's, they get the chance to and we're happy to help make it happen."

2. The panels

Panels are a huge crowd pleaser amongst conventions everywhere. They provide con attendees with a chance to speak with the guest speakers and celebrities about specific topics catered to the con. Larger conventions often host panels with more than a hundred guests who have waited sometimes hours to get a seat in the crowd with no guarantee that there will be room for them or that they will get a chance to speak.

KotoriCon is different, however.

"We play to our strengths," said Livingston. "Small is a strength. The panel topics and sizes are carefully chosen and set with the interest of the audience in mind. Guests can enter the rooms and leave as they please and are encouraged to interact with the speakers."

3. Cosplaying

No convention would be complete without cosplaying, which is the practice of dressing up as a character from a popular show, comic, movie, or book. Cosplaying can be as simple as wearing a wig to being as elaborate as creating Victorian style dresses, masks or full body suits. Cosplaying allows individuals to explore their creativity and really take a walk in someone else's shoes, rarely breaking character.

Oksana Varshavsky, a 19-year-old from Randolph, has attended more than 20 cons throughout her life and has turned heads with her various personalities while cosplaying.

"I get a chance to be creative and dress up and it's just a really good time," said Varshavsky.

This year, Varshavsky dressed as a hybrid of Poison and Super Sonico from the popular anime and manga but has dressed as many others, her favorite having been Poison Ivy.

"I would tell people to just do it, you know," said Varshavsky. "If you want to try cosplay, try it, don't be afraid and don't be afraid to make mistakes and get creative."

4. Attendees are provided with opportunities to explore their interests outside of the convention

Among the panels and guests are often vendors for various places that specialize in specific aspects of the convention's culture. These vendors educate attendees on opportunities to explore con culture outside of the convention itself.

Megan Maddocks, a representative of Mystic Realms Live Action Role Playing (L.A.R.P.), was one of the vendors present at the convention.

"We're here to recruit and give the people of the area a chance to be a part of our South Jersey based L.A.R.P. group," said Maddocks. "We have everything from supers to wild west to horror and apocalypse realms so we have something for everyone. It's theatrical, it's fun, and it's a chance for the role players to be someone they couldn't otherwise be."

L.A.R.P. allows role players to feel accepted, and it is that type of acceptance that is the final reason why KotoriCon the con to try.

5. The acceptance is a part of the culture

KotoriCon is the place where Pokemasters can grab a late with the girls of Sailor Moon. It is the place where Gumbi and Slenderman wait in line for a panel joking and laughing. Whether in full cosplay costume or in street clothes, smiles are shared and memories are made. Popular Pokemon master Ash Ketchum can be portrayed by a girl and the popular DC comic villain Harley Quinn can be portrayed by a boy. Gender neutral bathrooms are around each corner and people of all ages and orientations roam the halls.

"Seeing all of the smile and laughing, and feeling the happiness in the atmosphere, that's the best part of all of this," said Susan Glenn, the Con chair coordinator for the event. "It makes all of the hard work and stress worth it."

Whether a cosplay master or novice — and no matter if your knowledge of anime and Japanese culture is extensive or lacking — KotoriCon is the place to explore.

For more information on this year's KotoriCon or upcoming KotoriCon events, visit kotoricon.org.